move into 'asbestos-riddled' official residence for renovations of Justin Trudeau postpones

Justin Trudeau has already made his first major decision ahead of being formally sworn in as Canada’s prime minister, eschewing the official residence in Ottawa which has fallen into a reportedly dilapidated state since he lived there as a child in the 1970s and 80s.

In a brief statement, his office said that Mr Trudeau, his wife, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, and their three children will instead move into the nearby 22-room Rideau Cottage while he considers renovation plans.

Somewhat belying its name, the cottage is a generously scaled, Georgian Revival brick house located within the grounds of the Rideau Hall complex, the official residence of the governor-general, Queen Elizabeth's representative in Canada - which was treated to a facelift just two years ago.

Irrespective of who won the Canadian election, tough decisions had to be made over the future of 24 Sussex, the 147-year-old house which has served as home to successive prime ministers including Justin Trudeau’s father, Pierre.

Pierre Trudeau was in office when Justin was born in 1971 and retained the post until 1979, when he was ousted by the Conservative Joe Clark, before returning to power the following year and then standing down in 1984.

But the official residence is in such a poor state of repair that the newly-elected premier has decided against an emotional return to the home where he grew up.

According to Maclean’s magazine the building has no fire sprinklers and is riddled with asbestos. The plumbing and wiring at 24 Sussex would be regarded as unacceptable at any other house in Ottawa.